Annapolis, Maryland

1. United States Naval Academy

A trip to Annapolis,MD is never complete without a visit to the United States Naval Academy. Highlights include naval hero John Paul Jones’ crypt, Noon Formation, where the midshipmen are seen marching in formation to lunch, and the USNA Museum. Musical and theatrical events abound at the Yard, so check the music department’s calendar of events.

Guided walking tours are available to the public year round. Midshipmen have a full, rigorous, four year academic calendar, as they prepare to join the Navy or the Marine Corps. The purpose of the naval academy, founded in 1845, is to develop leaders - mentally, morally and physically - to lead the nation in military or civilian life.

United States Naval Academy, 52 King George Street, Annapolis, MD 21402, Phone: 410-293-8687

2. Quiet Waters Park

There are over 6 miles of trails in this 340 acre park, winding through forests and grassy fields for visitors to enjoy. There is a children’s playground, and Quiet Waters Park is on the southwest side of the inlet on the South River, just diagonally opposite the Naval Academy.

Six outdoor pavilions can be rented for parties, and the Blue Heron Center, the park’s indoor facility, is available for weddings and other events. For an outdoor wedding ceremony, there is the South River Overlook, perched above the South River, or the James Lighthizer Gazebo, another lovely setting, on the edge of a delightful pond.

Quiet Waters Park, 600 Quiet Waters Park Road, Annapolis, MD 21403, Phone: 410-222-1777

3. Maryland State House

Completed in 1779, the Maryland State House is steeped in American history. It is where George Washington came to tender his resignation as commander in chief of the Continental Army in 1783.

It also served as the location for the ratification of the Treaty of Paris, which officially ended the Revolutionary War. The Maryland General Assembly convenes in the Maryland State House for three months each year, making it the only functioning building from colonial times still remaining.

The building is also home to the governor’s office, as well as the president of the Senate and many others public officials. The State House offers self-guided tours (please call ahead). There are numerous memorials and plaques on the grounds, and in 1960 the State House was designated a National Historic Landmark.

Maryland State House, 100 State Circle, Annapolis, MD 21401, Phone: 800-235-4045

4. Annapolis Towne Centre

Located less than four miles from downtown is the all in one destination of Annapolis Towne Centre. Essentially, you can drop off laundry, go to the bank, stop for lunch, see a broker, go to a yoga class, buy a new dress and go to a concert, without ever leaving the grounds. There are regular trunk shows, exhibitions of all kinds, concerts, films, plays and lectures on any given day at the Towne Centre. Stores abound, meaning there is something for everyone, from clothing and handcrafted furniture to fine olive oils and eco-friendly pet food.

There are several food options as well, whether you want a quick bite or a formal dinner, there are 18 eateries to choose from. It is also home to one of the largest Whole Foods Market’s in the country. Luxury townhouses, apartments and condominiums are housed in state-of-the-art buildings, as is a 46,000 square foot building for business use. Additionally, 11 well-known hotels are within a short distance.

Annapolis Towne Centre, 1906 Towne Centre Blvd, Annapolis, MD 21401, Phone: 410-573-9050

5. William Paca House & Garden

Built in the 1760s by William Paca, this Georgian manor house is recognized today as one of the finest 18th century homes in the country. In 1901, the property was converted into a hotel, and became Annapolis’s finest hotel for decades. Historic Annapolis and the State of Maryland bought the site in 1965 and over the next two decades preserved and restored it to reflect its original 18th century appearance.

Guided tours of the William Paca House & Garden show off its period furnishings and artwork, and the house is available for hosting special occasions. Using historic scholarship, the 2 acre colonial William Paca Garden has been restored to its former glory. Visitors can enjoy its parterres and terraced gardens, including the Kitchen Garden which provides fresh fruits and vegetables. William Paca was not only a signatory of the Declaration of Independence, but also served as the State of Maryland’s third Governor. In 1971 this location was recognized as a National Historic Landmark.

William Paca House & Garden, 186 Prince George Street, Annapolis, MD 21401, Phone: 410-990-4543

6. The Kunta Kinte - Alex Haley Memorial

Author Alex Haley wrote about African American history and tackled the issue of racism in his writing. His Pulitzer Prize winning novel Roots focused on slavery in the United States and tells the story of a slave named Kunta Kinte who was captured in West Africa and sold into slavery. The Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Foundation has given this Memorial to the City of Annapolis in trust, as a celebration of ethnic diversity and brotherhood everywhere.

The Memorial has three parts: The Sculpture Group, Story Wall and Compass Rose. The sculpture group is placed along Chesapeake Bay, with Annapolis port being a symbolic beginning of the journey of Africans to these shores. The sculpture depicts Haley holding a book open, sharing his family's history with three children of different racial backgrounds.

The Story Wall is made up of ten granite-framed markers topped with bronze plaques, lining the retaining sea wall on Compromise Street. Each plaque is filled with encouraging messages and excerpts from Roots. Across the street from the sculptures is The Compass Rose, a 14 foot in diameter bronze map of the world. Visitors to the compass can stand in the center and face the direction of their ancestor’s homeland.

The Kunta Kinte - Alex Haley Memorial, 135 Stepneys Lane, Edgewater, MD 21037, Phone: 410-956-9090

7. Always Ice Cream Company

Anytime is the right time for ice cream, as everyone knows. If you happen to be in Maryland, Always Ice Cream Company is the best place to go. Formerly known as Annapolis Ice Cream, the company has been pleasing palates on Main Street since 2004.

Recently the company expanded to more locations so that more and more ice cream fans can be served. All the ice cream is made from natural, organic ingredients and the flavors are nothing short of amazing. The next time you need an ice cream fix, head to Always Ice Cream to try one or more of their unique and unforgettable ice cream creations.

Always Ice Cream Company, 196 Main Street, Annapolis, MD 21401, 443-482-3895

8. Maryland World War II Memorial

Officially open to the public in 1998, this dramatic, modern memorial was designed by New York architect Secundino Fernandez. This four-sided open air memorial is surrounded by a circle of 48 granite pillars, each representing the 48 states at the time of war. In between each pillar and etched in granite are the 6,454 names of all Marylanders who lost their lives in World War ll. Additionally, there are 20 plaques describing war time events and milestones.

The Maryland World War II Memorial also includes two 14 foot in diameter globes which depict the location of key battles in both Eastern and Western hemispheres. A stainless steel monument, with seven sides to represent Maryland as the 7th state in the Union, is topped with a star that is illuminated each night. Visitors should take their time while exploring this memorial and meditate on the lives lost. The memorial is a stop on the city trolley tour, and on Independence Day, it offers an excellent view of the fireworks.

Maryland World War II Memorial, 1919 Governor Ritchie Hwy, Annapolis, MD 21409, Toll Free: 800-446-4926

9. The Elizabeth Myers Mitchell Gallery - St. John's College

Dedicated to bringing world-class art to Annapolis, the Elizabeth Myers Mitchell Gallery opened its doors in 1989 at St. John’s College campus in Annapolis. Designed by architect Chip Bohl, this modern building won a Citation of Merit from the American Institute of Architects.

For a gallery of its size, it has an astonishing variety of exhibited works, and brings more than 10,000 visitors a year to its exhibits. The Mitchell Gallery serves as a major local source for viewing, studying and appreciating art. Exhibitions have included works of celebrated artists such as Bruegel, Rembrandt, Calder, and Rodin. Docent tours, special events and programs are available, and admission is always free.

The Elizabeth Myers Mitchell Gallery - St. John's College, 60 College Avenue, Mellon Hall Annapolis, MD 21401, Phone: 410-626-2556

10. Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre

Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre is an outdoor theatre, creating a performance under the stars every weekend night for several months of the year. Since 2006, all featured shows have been musicals, including many recent Broadway and off-Broadway shows.

There are five-week shows, with three showings each weekend day. It is recommended that guests bring a blanket and come prepared for the weather by keep a sweater or umbrella handy. This theatre is a testament to the artistic community of Annapolis. Volunteers created the theatre and still maintain it 50 years later.

Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre, 143 Compromise Street, Annapolis, MD 21401, Phone: 410-268-9212